"I'm sorry, my love," Teddy whispers as he pulls me into his arms. I sob unabashedly into his chest and he tries his best to console me, but there's something in his rigid movements that doesn't feel right. This isn't the man I married, the man I've loved my whole life. He'd never hurt me or belittle me for the smallest of mistakes. He was gentle and kind. He cherished me above all else.
But I've come to realize the man that I remember so well is gone. All I have left is an empty shell standing in his place.
It's Rose's birthday and the whole family is together. I watch as my cousins share stories of their travels and adventures. I feel like a complete outsider.
"Teddy didn't want to come?" Albus asks as he walks up behind me.
I nod my head and try not to let the tears that threaten to burst from me fall. "You know how he is anymore. Refuses to do anything that requires social interaction."
Albus seems to notice my forlorned state. He always was more perceptive than everyone else. "I'm sorry, Victoire. I know things are messed up, but he'll get better."
It's been a long day and I come home from work exhausted. All I want is to take a long hot bath and read. Maybe if I slip into one of my favorite books, I can pretend for a little while that the world isn't crumbling around me.
Steam coats the mirrors and hot water scalds my skin as I slide into the tub. I inhale the smell of lavender wafting up from the water and try to relax. My heart pounds in my chest. I remind myself that he isn't home. Finally, after eternity, I am able to relax.
"What do you think about going to some sort of therapy? Albus mentioned that St. Mungo's has a really great counseling program. Maybe it would help you," I whisper, hoping not to initiate another fight.
Teddy doesn't move, but I can feel the fury mounting inside of him. "Why would Albus mention that?" he says, his voice dripping with threat.
"They're you're family too. They know you're struggling."
Lunging forward, Teddy slams me into the wall. "Busy telling your family about my business I see. Trying to make everyone believe that I'm a crazy person? Keep your mouth shut, Victoire."
My steps echo against the walls of St. Mungo's as I make the long walk to my counselor's office.
"Hello Victoire. How are you today?" she asks in a neutral tone.
"Comme ci, comme ça," I say with a shrug.
"Any fights lately?"
"No." I answer. "There's nothing lately. Teddy barely speaks at all. It's like I don't even exist anymore. On one hand, it's nice not being screamed at all the time, but on the other hand it's depressing to see how much our marriage has disintegrated. I miss the man that I married."
Comme ci, comme ça – so-so